The small silver pot was bubbling with water, and the water was slightly blue. The washed and chopped lotus leaves have been boiled for an hour, and they are slightly soft. Liu Februaryer lifted the pot, strained it with gauze, and poured the clear soup into a small white porcelain basin.

The little palace maids have already peeled the lotus seeds, do not remove the core, and continue to cook them in the soup.

When the lotus seeds are soft, press them lightly with a spoon to form a cake.

Liu February's taste of the soup, the bitter tongue was hard, she really didn't understand why Shen Yun really wanted to eat such a bitter thing, so she added two large spoons of osmanthus nectar to it.

The soup was bubbling again, she gently scooped a cup, put it in the food box, and instructed the little palace maid: "Bring it over." ”

Shen Yun was really a little sleepy, but the backyard was still tinkling with construction. She couldn't sleep well when she wanted to, so she only reclined on the chaise longue and took a nap under a thin sheet.

The little palace maid in the room gently pulled the string of the wind wheel, and she was also a little drowsy.

Although the sun is setting in the west, the heat has not yet subsided, and the hot people are out of breath.

"Master, the lotus seed soup is ready." The little palace maid gently rested a colored porcelain lotus cup on the table.

She rubbed her brow and sat up.

After tasting a little, she smiled, this lotus seed soup was so sweet and greasy, and when she guessed, she knew that it was boiled by Liu Eryue herself, and it was really like her taste.

"Mama Liu said that this soup is too bitter, and I am afraid that the master will not be used to drinking it." The little palace maid brought a small plate of chestnut cake from the food box: "This soup is not snowflake sugar powder, but a newly sent osmanthus nectar." ”

She has a light taste, and originally wanted to use bitter lotus seed soup to suppress the sweetness of chestnut cake. Now that the lotus seed soup is sweet like this, the chestnut cake has become a greasy thing. She ate a few spoonfuls, but it was really unappetizing, so she set them aside.

The recent harem is always full of undercurrents, some people fall out of favor today, and some people will be favored tomorrow. The little palace maid looked at her and muttered in her heart. I don't know if the soup didn't satisfy her appetite, or if her poor mood affected her appetite.

The emperor has been staying in Concubine Xian's Zhaotai Palace these days, and I heard that Concubine Xian's father was also given a first-class title. Zhaotai Palace is the sworn enemy of Lantai Palace, presumably Concubine Jiang Xian is favored, and her own master is also annoyed, right?

"Master, why don't you eat a little?" The little palace maid said softly.

This little palace maid doesn't know how to hide her emotions, and many things are written on her face without reservation.

Shen Yunzhen glanced at her, smiled warmly, and asked, "Are there any fresh lotus seeds?" ”

The little palace maid nodded: "There are many more, all of them are picked up in the morning by rowing a boat to the lotus pond by father-in-law." When they were first plucked, the lotus pods were all green and stained with dew, so the slave and maid took them to their masters. ”

The little palace maid held a small disc, which contained two full-grained lotus flowers, and the color was verdant.

There is a thin layer of tender skin on the lotus seed, and peeling this is the most hurtful nail, and very few of the concubines in the harem peel it themselves. She has long since stopped keeping her nails, and she is not afraid of damage. Being idle is also idle, so it's better to peel lotus seeds yourself and eat them.

Liu Februaryyue took a carved red gold plate and put it in front of her, and said with a smile: "That's okay, when the master finishes peeling the lotus seeds, the royal car will almost arrive, and the emperor will just have a fresh taste." ”

She smiled slightly: "I peeled it and ate it myself." ”

Liu Eryue flattened his mouth: "The emperor has worked hard these days, and he hasn't slept a few peaceful nights." ”

Liu Eryue always likes to hint at her like this, she didn't say anything, just put the peeled lotus seeds into the plate one by one. The tender lotus seeds, like a handful of plump pearls, lie quietly on a gold plate.

"The emperor has been staying in the palace of the virtuous concubine recently, and he suddenly came to us today, and the slave maid is always up and down in her heart." Liu February, as he spoke, peeled lotus seeds.

She glanced at Liu February: "What can happen?" ”

"It's not that I'm afraid of anything else, or I'm worried about what Concubine Xian has in mind." Liu Eryue looked at Shen Yunzhen: "She hates her master very much, and the slave is always afraid that something will happen to her." The emperor is now using the Jiang family, even if she really makes trouble, the emperor will not say anything. ”

Liu Eryue really thought too much.

The virtuous concubine is sober-minded and will not be spoiled; The emperor is more sober and will not indulge excessively.

Concubine Xian and the emperor are together, but they are just two smart people who are confused about dressing. Everyone knows that the other party is not sincere, but they still have to pretend to be sincere.

"I heard that the emperor has arranged for someone to clean up the Anbian Palace." Liu Eryue vigorously broke open a lotus canopy and tossed the green lotus seeds to the table one by one.

More than 200 miles west from the west gate of the capital is Yushan, which was originally a paddock for Taizu's hunting. During the time of Gaozong, Yulin trained here, and the then governor Xu Shouzu sent people to breed hundreds of white cranes on the mountain to curry favor with Gaozong. Gaozong Longxin was happy, and then aimed to build a crane tower on Yu Mountain, which was expanded after several generations and evolved into today's Anbian Palace.

The palace is built on a hill with a mountain breeze blowing from time to time, making it ideal for escaping the heat in the summer. When the emperors of the past dynasties caught up with the government and did not have much time, they would lead the concubines in the palace to the palace to escape the summer.

When the first emperor moved to the Anbian Palace, his father served as the head of the Tai Hospital.

She was also taken there as a child, picking flowers outside the crane garden.

Since Nan Jingpei ascended the throne, no one in the harem has ever accompanied him there, and even the once-favored concubine has not won such an honor.

"I heard that the emperor was going to take Concubine Xian, and Concubine Xian brought Xu Chongyi again." Liu Eryue stopped his hand: "What is the origin of this Xu Chongyi?" Why did you suddenly take refuge in Concubine Xian? ”

"Do you know that Xu Shouzu, who raised white cranes to curry favor with Gaozong? That is Xu Chongyi's ancestor. She kept peeling lotus seeds in her hands.

To say that this Xu Chongyi is also a famous family, it's a pity that their lineage only relies on the title of attack, and the family road has gradually declined. Otherwise, with the prosperity of the Xu family during the Gaozong period, Xu Chongyi would at least be a concubine.

As she was talking, she faintly heard another voice at the palace gate.

Liu February's lotus seeds were put down and said, "It's the emperor's Luan who has arrived." ”

She just finished peeling the last lotus seed and went out to greet her.

Nan Jingpei didn't allow her to kneel, pulled her up, and led her to the dormitory.

Liu February's cup of seven-minute hot tea was served, and the lotus puff on the table was collected, and he silently withdrew.

It was not so much the emperor holding her, but the emperor holding her hand and closing the walk. As soon as he was next to the edge of the bed, he lay down on his back, his wide flat golden crane pressed under him with folds.

She took a pillow and cushioned it under his neck, slowly took off his clothes for him, and said softly, "Why are you so tired?" ”

He let out a long sigh of relief: "Beihan is preparing for war, and there are many people doing things, and they sit there all day, unable to move. ”

She leaned lightly beside him: "Has the emperor had dinner?" ”

He closed his eyes and said, "Just take a bite." ”

It's no wonder that those courtiers don't know how to feel sorry for people, it's really that the border pass is in a hurry, and if there is a business trip, no one can afford this responsibility, so those courtiers who are doing things don't dare to delay for a moment.

"Mama Liu's lotus seed soup, can the emperor eat it? There are also chestnut cakes. She snuggled up to him and asked softly.

He lay down for a while, then sat up: "When I first came in, I saw you peeling lotus seeds?" ”

She nodded and brought the small gold plate: "I didn't pick the lotus core, does the emperor want to taste it?" ”

Lotus seeds can go to the fire of the heart, and it is most suitable for people like him who have a strong inner fire. He twisted one and put it in his mouth, the lotus seed was really fresh, and when he chewed the lotus core, the bitter taste seeped into his throat along the saliva.

He ate a few, his bitter tongue numb, took a sip of tea, and rested on the couch.

Shen Yunzhen took a gray and white feather fan on the coffee table and gently fanned the cool breeze for him.

After a long silence, he suddenly said, "I may not be able to come to you for a while." ”

She held her hand slightly, and he sat up straight.

He stared at her and took her hand, "You should be able to understand me, right?" ”

She nodded silently, he lowered his eyes slightly, and took her into his arms: "Luan Jia is going to live in the Anbian Palace for a while, and he will leave the palace in a few days." I also want to take you there, but this time it won't work, wait a little longer, and when everything settles down, I will no longer pay attention to others, and concentrate on guarding you, you and the child. ”

She put her arms around his shoulders and said with a smile: "The emperor has three palaces and six courts, and he can't always guard the concubines?" Otherwise, those imperial historians still don't regard their concubines as adulterous concubines who bring disaster to the country and the people? ”

He rolled over and pressed her under him, and laughed, "Aren't you an adulterous concubine?" ”

She laughed: "How did the concubine become an adulterous concubine?" ”

Nan Jingpei fiddled with her earlobes, stared at her and said, "Hooking the soul, beautiful and charming, not an adulterous concubine?" ”

"Since she is an adulterous concubine, there must be a faint gentleman to match. If the emperor admits that he is a faint king, then the concubine admits that he is an adulterous concubine. ”

She turned away from him, but he kissed her earlobe and whispered, "You dare to talk to me like this in this world." ”

She hooked the corners of her lips and laughed twice. If her words were heard by those imperial historians of Zongcheng Zhu Lixue, wouldn't she scare those Confucian scholars?

"But I like it when you talk like that." He stared at her, as gentle as promise.

He just likes her like this, uninhibited and carefree.

She is the pearl of Shen Wenzhong's palm, she has been pampered since she was a child, although she is not as arrogant as some ladies, but she has always been a dare to say and do.

Since he was a child, he swore that one day he would spoil her and hold her, so that she would be carefree and fearless for the rest of her life.

"I really love you." He kissed her lips, long eyelashes rustling against her cheeks.

She didn't know why he suddenly told her this, and she was suddenly a little surprised, but she still hugged his waist and said softly: "The concubine understands." ”

"No, you don't understand." He said.

She looked at him and heard him say, "Nothing is certain until the war is over." Maybe one day, I will do something you don't understand, say something you don't like to hear. At that time, you must remember that everything I do is for our future. In my heart, there will be no one else but you and the child. ”